Guys: Trying to create new memories

Relevant offers

Scott Guy's parents say they are working on creating new memories as they try and live their lives after the loss of their oldest son.

The 31-year-old Feilding farmer was shot dead at the end of his driveway two years ago and his father, Bryan, today told the Manawatu Standard that the family initially planned to get together every two weeks after the killing.

"We couldn't recreate what we had. We found that with that one person missing it just wasn't the same."

"Now we've got to start making new memories and new traditions for the family," Mr Guy said.

Speaking from their Feilding home, Mr Guy and his wife Jo talked about the intense publicity around Scott's death and the murder trial and acquittal of his brother-in-law Ewen Macdonald.

"A lot of people are asking how we feel about things. It's been such a public thing - not that we wanted it to be, but it has. It probably just needs a close off."

The Guys emphasised the need to stay positive about life, with Mrs Guy describing how she would wake up in the morning and think of something to be thankful for - be it the sunshine or the weather.

"We don't want to be bitter and twisted and angry about what happened," Mr Guy said.

Some people would come up on the street to talk, yet not know what to say or whether they should mention Scott.

Public support has been "overwhelming" and, at times, "healing".

"It's given us lots of strength and courage to get through it," Mr Guy said.

They would often talk about Scott, and wanted to keep it that way.

Work-wise, Mr Guy had just appointed a new farm manager, which took the pressure of him.

At some stage the farm would probably be sold.

Mrs Guy last year closed the women's fashion store Reve she ran with daughter Nikki and had since developed a love of writing and hoped to do something positive in that field.

Scott's widow, Kylee, has said she is working with private investigators to look into her husband's death, but the Guys were not actively involved in that.

"There's so many unanswered questions and rather than focus on that we've focused on the grandchildren and the family and making a new life for ourselves," Mr Guy said.

The four-and-a-half week murder trial in Wellington was stressful for the couple and they were relieved when it was over.

While there they were conscious of the attention the case received, such as when they went out to dinner.